6 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value

When your selling your home, remember the importance of first impressions. Most home-buyers in today’s market are comparative shoppers. With little time and effort, you can increase the perceived value of your home. Preparing you home for sale can include simple things, such as ensuring your home is clean, airy, uncluttered, light, fragrant, and quiet.

Below are some of the quick and easy things you can do to make your home more appealing to a buyer. As always feel free to make other suggestions by leaving your comments.

Curb Appeal

It is estimated that more than 50% of homes are sold before the buyers even get out of their cars. Stand across the street from your home and review the curb appeal. Here our some suggestions to consider:

• Mow and water lawns
• Seed bare spots in lawn
• Sweep walkways
• Remove toys and pick up any litter
• Prune shrubs, weed flower beds, and rake any leaves
• Repair any broken fences, planters, trellises, or walls
• Plant shrubs or install fencing to block unpleasant views

Interior maintenance

On the inside, remove as much clutter as possible. You may want to hire professionals to do a deep cleaning. Cleanliness is a sign to buyers that the home has been well cared for.

• Clean and vacuum carpets
• Replace worn carpets; use area rugs where needed
• Apply a fresh coat of paint
• Wash curtains and draperies
• Lubricate window slides; make sure doors close smooth
• Clean ceiling fans and lighting fixtures
• Clean and organize closets and cabinets
• Check for cobwebs in all corners
• Make sure all interior lighting works and electrical outlets and switches function properly

Exterior Maintenance

Again, remember the importance of curb appeal. A well maintained home on the outside give the buyer the initial impression that the home is well-maintained on the inside as well.

• Paint or varnish doors; polish door hardware
• Paint or replace street numbers on house
• Clean/wash siding, windows and screens, ac unit, and pool
• Repair or paint siding, trim, gutters, shutters, glazing, and window frames
• Clean oil stains from driveway and garage
• Make sure all exterior lighting is working
• Deodorize septic tanks; repair leaky faucets
• Straighten woodpile; clean around trash cans

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Overall, kitchens and bathrooms should be spotless. These two rooms alone can be the most important factors in the decision to purchase your home. Cabinets should be neat and organized and you may want to purchase over the counter odor neutralizers.

• Clean all appliances inside and out
• Replace all light bulbs
• Clean floors and light fixtures
• Deodorize disposal, dishwater, and refrigerator
• Repair all leaky faucets
• Test all electrical outlets
• Un-clutter kitchen counters and cabinets
• Clean shower door or replace shower curtain
• Put out fresh towels on towel racks
• Remove soap residue and lime deposits from sink, shower, and bathtub.
• Make sure toilet flushes properly

Garages, Carports, and Sheds

• Keep all areas clean and un-cluttered
• Replace burned out lights
• Clear away cobwebs
• Remove all stains from floors
• Lubricate, adjust, or repair garage door
• Organize tools

Create Welcoming Atmosphere

• Turn on any lights; open drapes
• Light candles and put out fresh flowers
• Play quiet background music
• Be absent during the showing and keep any pets outside
• Turn on air conditioner or heat as needed

Although these are not all the tips many of these can aid in the successful sale of your home! Feel free to leave your comments below.